Imagine having your garden burst with color from spring to frost. The geranium, also called cranesbill, makes this dream possible. With over 2,000 types, these perennials grow well in sun or shade and in various soils. They bring months of beauty to your garden.
Let's explore 10 beautiful geranium flower types that ensure your garden is always in bloom.
Introduction to Hardy Geraniums
Hardy geraniums, also known as cranesbills, are a diverse group of perennial flowers. They are often mixed up with tender, fragrant pelargoniums, but they are actually hardy and easy to grow. These plants come in various sizes and offer beautiful flower colors and foliage.
With the right care and spot, hardy geraniums bloom for months in the garden. Most of the geraniums in the author's garden came from seed trading, local nurseries, and plant swaps. This shows the wide variety of species, hybrids, and cultivars available.
These geraniums grow well in different places, from shady spots to sunny borders. They are adaptable to various conditions.
The author hasn't divided their geraniums, but they spread well by seed. However, collecting seeds can be hard because of the way they scatter. Some geranium species are easier to start from seeds than others. They might need cold treatments or nicking to germinate well.
In the author's garden, geraniums range from 4 inches to four feet tall. Many varieties look good even when they're not blooming. They provide interest for a long time. The leaves of geraniums also come in different shapes and colors, helping with identification.
The flowers of hardy geraniums come in many colors, like white, pink, purple, violet, and dark blue. They have unique forms that make them stand out from pelargoniums. With their versatility, easy care, and long-lasting blooms, hardy geraniums are a must for garden lovers.
Geranium Flower Varieties for Continuous Blooms
Hardy geraniums, also known as cranesbills, come in many sizes and growth habits. They are perfect for gardens of all types. These geraniums bloom for a long time from spring to fall.
For gardeners looking for ground cover, 'Biokovo' and 'Mrs Kendall Clark' are great choices. They spread out and cover the ground, stopping weeds from growing. They also look beautiful cascading over walls or spilling from containers.
If you want a big, flowing display in containers, try 'Blue Sunrise' and 'Mavis Simpson.' These tall geraniums have beautiful, cascading flowers. They make any patio or entryway look stunning.
For gardeners who want lots of blooms for a long time, 'Orion' and Geranium maculatum are excellent. These tall geraniums are great for borders or as focal points. They add vibrant color for months.
With the right geranium varieties, gardeners can have a constant display of flowers from spring to autumn.
Compact and Colorful Varieties
Hardy geraniums are known for their many blooms and come in compact, colorful types. These geraniums have different forms, from low-growing ground cover to plants with beautiful leaves.
For gardeners wanting a dense, mat-forming plant, 'Ballerina' and 'New Hampshire Purple' are great picks. These compact geraniums grow into neat mounds of pretty leaves and flowers. They're perfect for spilling over walls or lining flower beds.
Some geraniums with interesting foliage are loved for their unique leaves. 'Biokovo' and 'Renardii' have leaves in colors from silvery-gray to bright autumn tones. They add a striking contrast to the garden.
If you're looking for a colorful geranium for the front of a border or one that shows off stunning foliage, the hardy geranium genus has many options. They fit any gardening style or need.
Ground Cover and Border Geraniums
Hardy geraniums, also known as cranesbills, are great for gardens. They offer vibrant colors and texture for months. Plants like 'Ann Folkard,' 'Havana Blues,' and 'Orion' create dense mats that cover weeds and look beautiful over walls or garden edges.
These plants are easy to care for and pair well with other perennials, roses, and shrubs. Their flowers match many colors, adding beauty to the garden.
Hardy geraniums work well for large areas or as highlights in borders. For example, Geranium 'Biokovo' is evergreen and forms dense drifts. Geranium 'Bill Wallis' drapes over walls or raised terraces with its shallow roots.
Geraniums are tough perennials that can handle cold, surviving in USDA zone 5. They have foliage up to 5 inches long and bloom in various colors, from lavender to pale pink. These plants attract bees and butterflies, making them great for any garden.
| Geranium Variety | Height | Flower Color | Growth Habit |
|---|---|---|---|
| G. endressii 'Wargrave Pink' | 15-18 inches | Pink | Upright, Clumping |
| G. himalayense 'Gravetye' | 12 inches | Blue-violet | Spreading, Mounding |
| G. sanguineum | 9-12 inches | Magenta-red | Spreading, Trailing |
| G. sanguineum var. striatum | 6-8 inches | White with pink veins | Spreading, Low-growing |
| Geranium 'Biokovo' | 6-10 inches | White with pink centers | Spreading, Evergreen |
Container and Cascading Varieties
Geraniums aren't just for garden beds. Many types shine in containers and hanging baskets, with their cascading stems creating beautiful displays. 'Blue Sunrise' and 'Mavis Simpson' are great for large pots, with stems flowing over the edges.
For hanging baskets, 'Ann Folkard' and similar types spill over, offering color for months. These versatile geraniums bring a lush, romantic feel to any outdoor area, whether in a big pot or a hanging basket.
| Variety | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Pelargonium 'Moonlight Pink' | Occurs 2 times in the listed combinations |
| Pelargonium 'Indian Dunes' | Included once in the combinations |
| Pelargonium 'Pink Happy Thought' | Appears 2 times in the listed combinations |
| Pelargonium 'Pinto Pink' | Found once in the combinations |
| Pelargonium 'Americana White' | Listed once |
| Pelargonium 'Tango Hot Pink' | Occurs once in the combinations |
| Pelargonium 'Savannah Hot Pink Sizzle' | Appears 2 times in the listed combinations |
| Pelargonium 'Crystal Palace Gem' | Included once in the combinations |
| Pelargonium 'Mrs. Pollock' | Found once in the combinations |
| Pelargonium 'Designer Cherry' | Listed once |
| Pelargonium 'Graffiti White' | Included 2 times in the combinations |
| Pelargonium 'Graffiti Pink' | Found twice in the combinations |
| Pelargonium 'Red Elite' | Listed once |
Common geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) leads in sales, while ivy geranium (P. peltatum) is prized for its cascading stems. Beginner gardeners often mix up hardy geraniums (Geranium spp.) with ivy geraniums.
Geraniums thrive in USDA zones 9-11 and can handle the heat. 'Americana', 'Eclipse', 'Fidelity', 'Maverick', and 'Orbit' are great for common geraniums. For ivy geraniums, try 'Blizzard', 'Cascade', 'Summer Showers', and 'Sofie Cascade' series.
Tall and Prolific Bloomers
Some hardy geraniums are small and spread out, but others grow tall and make a big statement. 'Orion' and 'Mrs. Kendal Clark' can get 3-4 feet tall, with big blooms that last for months. These tall geranium varieties add height and color to gardens, mixing well with other plants.
For those who want geraniums with long bloom times, 'Rozanne' and 'Dilys' are great choices. They bloom from early summer to fall, keeping gardens colorful. 'Rozanne' was even named the 2008 Perennial of the Year for its long blooming season.
These tall, blooming geraniums can be the stars of the garden or blend into a larger design. Their bright colors and long blooms bring elegance and beauty to any outdoor area.
| Geranium Variety | Height | Bloom Period | Unique Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geranium 'Orion' | 3-4 feet | Early summer to fall | Unusually large lavender blue flowers with overlapping petals |
| Geranium 'Mrs. Kendal Clark' | 3-4 feet | Early summer to fall | Abundant large blooms that create a dramatic display |
| Geranium 'Rozanne' | 12-18 inches | Late May to Thanksgiving | Awarded Perennial Plant of the Year in 2008 for its prolific blooming |
| Geranium 'Dilys' | 18-24 inches | Early summer to fall | Continuous flowering for a long season |
Conclusion
Hardy geraniums, or cranesbills, are now a favorite among gardeners. They are versatile, bloom for a long time, and come in many colors. This makes them a great choice for many garden spots.
These perennials can grow in sun or shade and keep weeds away. They are perfect for gardeners who want plants that are easy to care for and always look good. Hardy geraniums are loved for their ability to adapt and their long-lasting flowers.
Looking to brighten up your garden? Hardy geraniums can do the trick. They come in many varieties, offering endless ways to add beauty to your garden all year. With the right care, these plants will keep your garden looking beautiful season after season.
